Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can result in severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and a significant impact on your quality of life. While you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage, many accident victims wonder what they can get for their pain and suffering. Understanding the potential damages available can help you make informed decisions about seeking legal representation from an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer.

The Definition of Pain and Suffering:

Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of an accident. This can include physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and any other non-economic damages caused by the accident. It is important to note that pain and suffering are subjective and difficult to quantify, which is why having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side is crucial.

florida-motorcycle-accident-attorneys-300x169Motorcycles are a great way to get around and enjoy the ride in the process, but motorcycle accidents are some of the most dangerous traffic accidents. If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, the first order of business is seeking the medical care and attention you need, but beyond that, you may be at a complete loss. Fortunately, there are four basic steps – that apply to motorcycle accidents across the board – to help you protect both your health and your accident claim, and reaching out to an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney is one of the most important.

One: Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

It’s critical that you carefully follow your medical team’s advice and instructions. Doing so helps to ensure that you will recover to the fullest extent possible, but it also sends a strong message to the insurance company that you take your injuries very seriously and that you expect them to do the same. The insurance company is looking for virtually any reason to discredit or devalue your motorcycle accident claim, and if you fail to follow your doctor’s instructions, it will translate your actions to mean that you are not as seriously injured as you say you are. 

A parked motorcycleNo motorcycle rider plans on being involved in an accident, but if you are, these six guidelines will help you get fair compensation for your injuries and the damage to your bike. Remember that having an experienced Georgia motorcycle accident attorney to guide you through the process will maximize your chances of success.

  1. Ask everyone involved about any injuries, administer first aid and call 9-1-1 or an ambulance if necessary. Move the vehicles involved to a safe location out of the traffic lanes, but try to move injured persons as little as possible because movement may worsen their injuries.
  2. Exchange information with the other driver or drivers. This information should include:

chess pieces on a chess boardMotorcycles can be enjoyable vehicles to operate year-round in the State of Georgia. They can also be very dangerous machines. One of the most dangerous aspects of motorcycle riding is lack of protection. With the exception of their helmets, motorcycle operators and their passengers are directly exposed to the environment. If they fall from their motorcycles in an accident, serious injuries can occur.

Motorcycle operators and other motor vehicle drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely while on the road. When they fail to do so, they can cause accidents and serious injuries. If you have been injured in a Georgia motorcycle accident that you did not cause, let the experienced legal team at Slappey & Sadd, LLC assist you with your case today.

Our law firm represents motorcycle accident victims from all over the state, including Fulton County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Muscogee County, Newton County, Richmond County, Troup County, Walton County, and Whitfield County. Let our experienced attorneys help you pursue the monetary compensation you need.

a man sitting on a motorcycleMotorcycles are becoming a more and more popular way to get around. They’re more fuel efficient, nimbler to maneuver, and are easier to park, but they also leave the bikers who ride them far more vulnerable to serious injuries. The fact is that nothing comes between the motorcyclist and the immense impact of an accident other than his or her helmet and safety gear, and that just isn’t enough when the accident is serious. Fortunately, there are 3 important safety strategies that can help you share the road more safely with motorcycles. If you’ve been injured by another motorist in a motorcycle accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in the Atlanta area today. 

Strategy 1: Start Seeing Motorcycles

You’ve seen the bumper stickers stating, Start Seeing Motorcycles, but implementing this advice is the important bit. You know that you share the road with motorcycles, so make looking for them – and seeing them – part of your driving routine. Most importantly, don’t forget your vehicle’s blind spots. Many of us have become complacent about changing lanes after a quick peek in our mirrors, but motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles that they can remain hidden in one of your vehicle’s blind spots. Before changing lanes or merging, check all the way around your car and pay special attention to those blind spots. 

The view from beside a motorcyclist's helmetMotorcyclists face risks that other motorists do not. In response, states and localities have made legislative efforts and undertaken media campaigns to make our roads safer for those of us who enjoy riding motorcycles. Unfortunately, motorcycle accident statistics appear to be trending upward in the state of Georgia despite these efforts.

The Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers at Slappey & Sadd have been helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve since 1992. We have the knowledge and experience you need to put your life back together. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and don’t know what to do, give us a call at 888-474-9616 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation. 

A Worrisome Trend

Two motorcycles parked on the streetOn March 24, 2019, a Columbus Jury awarded $27 million to the mother of a woman killed in an accident that occurred in January of 2017. The jury’s award consisted of $22 million in compensatory damages and $5 million for the woman’s pain and suffering. The case illustrates the increased dangers for the victims of truck or motorcycle accidents, even under routine circumstances.

The Accident

On January 26, 2017, George Hooks was driving his 18-wheeler westbound on Macon Road while Cindy Tran Huyhn was headed east on her motorcycle. Both entered the intersection with Technology Parkway on a green light. The accident occurred when Hooks turned left in front of Huynh, who had the right of way because she was proceeding straight. Huynh immediately slammed on the brakes, veered left, and went into a skid. According to eyewitnesses, she almost avoided the collision but clipped the back-end of the truck’s trailer. She was taken to the hospital but unfortunately died the next day. The cause of death was listed as “blunt force trauma to the torso and extremities.”

Motorcyclst checking right gloveWe’ve previously written about motorcycle accidents, but we thought it might be worthwhile to share a few more thoughts.  

Motorcyclists Have an Image Problem

If you’re injured in an accident and have to go to trial, it’s important to keep in mind that the jury will determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation and how much you are entitled to receive. While the questions concerning negligence and liability seem like they would require objectivity, juries are composed of everyday people who may not be as objective as we would like. Try as they might, their subjective opinions can color their view of the case.  

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